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Postgraduate Studentships

Handbook
A Guide to the Doctoral Training Account (DTA) Terms and
Conditions

May 2012

(V1)

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CONTENTS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Introduction

MRC Postgraduate Studentship Schemes


1.1
The Doctoral Training Account

1.2

Research Studentships

1.3

Capacity Building Studentships

1.4

Industrial Collaborative Studentships

1.5

Masters Studentships

1.6

Studentships within MRC Centre and Partnership grants

Student Qualifying and Eligibility Requirements

2.1

Academic Qualifications

2.2

Residence Eligibility

2.3

UK Residence

10

2.4

Visa/Work Permits

11

2.5

Nationals of EEA Member States

11

2.6

Nationals of the European Union

11

2.7

Nationals of the Isle of Man

11

2.8

Residents of the Channel Islands

11

Financial Support

12

3.1

Financial Package

12

3.2

Capacity Building Studentships

13

3.3

Collaborative and Industrial Collaborative Studentships

13

3.4

Part-time Studentships

14

3.5

Income Tax

14

3.6

National Insurance

14

3.7

Disabled Students Allowance

14

3.8

Overseas Fieldwork Allowance

15

The Training Programme

16

4.1

Research Topic

16

4.2

Skills Training

16

4.3

Courses and Support for Researcher Development

16

4.4

Internships

16

Collection of Data

18

5.1

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Registering Studentsl

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6.

8.

5.2

Thesis Submission Data

19

5.3

Next Destination Data

19

During the Studentship

20

6.1

Teaching, Demonstrating and Other Paid Work

20

6.2

Holidays

20

6.3

Absence through Illness

20

6.4

Maternity Leave

20

6.5

Paternity Leave

20

6.6

Abeyance

20

6.7

Transfer and Extension of Studentships

21

6.8

Early Terminations

21

6.9

Grievances

21

Exploitation of Research Results

22

7.1

General

22

7.2

Partnerships with Industry

22

7.3

Protection of Patentable Material

22

7.4

Protection of Non-Patentable Material

22

Specific Conditions and Considerations

23

8.1

Use of Animals

23

8.2

Home Office Licences

23

8.3

Use of Simians/Tissues

23

8.4

Mouse Strains

24

8.5

Human Participants in Research

24

8.6

Clinical Trials

25

8.7

Human Fertilisation

25

8.8

Medical Records

25

8.9

Use of Human Fetal Material

25

8.10

Removal of Human tissue

25

8.11

Use of Radioactive Substances and Neutron Irradiation Humans

25

8.12

Genetic Modification

26

8.13

Dangerous Pathogens

26

8.14

Controlled Drugs

26

8.15

Data Protection Act 1998

26

8.16

MRC Use of Data/Information

26

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9.

Further Enquiries

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Annex 1 Recruitment of International students in MRC Key strategic areas


Annex 2 Overseas Fieldwork Banding
Annex 3 Data Capture Requirements to Create Studentship Record (Applicable to
MRC Units and Institutes only)
Annex 4 Guidance on How to Handle Reconciliation of Centre Grants with Students
Complete after the end date of the Grant

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34
that
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INTRODUCTION
High quality research training is core to the MRCs mission1. MRCs strategic role is to
train and develop future research leaders and to help meet the UKs strategic skills
needs. To achieve this, the MRC makes significant investment in early postgraduate
research training in the form of studentship awards.
The MRC does not provide funding to students directly. Since October 2004, MRC
Studentships have been allocated through Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs) held by
Research Organisations, mainly universities and MRC units and institutes. Since 2011,
each Doctoral Training Grant is awarded as a grant in its own right, therefore Block DTG
Awards, Advanced Masters Grants, CASE Studentship grants etc are each awarded as a
grant in their own right with a separate grant reference number and should be
administered as separate grants by the RO. Prior to 2011, these were awarded as an
annual Doctoral Training Award which included all Studentship Awards (except for
Centres and Partnership grants) on one grant. Although a student can still be funded on
more than one grant, the Financial Expenditure Statement (FES) on completion of the
grant must reflect who/what was funded from it.
Please Note that since MRC migrated to a new grants system in March 2011, previously
awarded Doctoral Training Awards have now been split into separate grants and ROs will
need to complete a separate FES for each of the grants.
Research Organisations in receipt of a MRC Doctoral Training Grant must be able to
demonstrate an excellent quality training environment that provides students with a
broad range of subject-specific, generic research and transferable skills, as well as a
track record in good management of students.
This handbook is intended to operate alongside the Research Development Framework
which sets out guidance regarding expectations for both the student and the research
organisation.
For the most part, this handbook is applicable for all MRC funded students (including
students on Centre and Partnership grants). Where sections only relate to either HEIs
only or HEIs (including Centres) or MRC Units/Institutes, this is clearly shown.
This handbook is intended to provide guidance for student supervisors and
administrators at Research Organisations on the Terms and Conditions under which
Doctoral Training Accounts operate.

http://www.mrc.ac.uk/About/Missionstatement/MRC002337

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1. MRC POSTGRADUATE STUDENTSHIP SCHEMES


1.1

The Doctoral Training Grant

The MRC allocates block Doctoral Training Grants (DTG)s to qualifying Research
Organisations annually. For HEIs this is currently awarded via the process below. For
MRC Units and Institutes, Doctoral Training Grant is allocated as part of their annual
budget (as previously awarded at their quinquennial review) A Doctoral Training Grant
provides the finance associated with each cohort of students starting their doctoral
training programmes, usually from October onwards. For HEIs it includes the stipend,
Fees, Research Training Grant Support (RTSG) and a small amount for travel and
subsistence. For MRC Units and Institutes, the RTSG may be supplemented from the
main budget (in kind eg resources/consumables) although each MRC-funded student
should receive at least 1k of RTSG support.
Qualifying HEIs for DTGs
Qualifying HEIs are determined by MRC periodically [currently every two to three years
for ROs] according to the qualifying institutions level of MRC peer-reviewed fellowship
and research grant income. There are three outcomes from this analysis of RO income:

ROs with an income above an upper threshold are allocated a block DTG without
competition. The size of the DTG is related algorithmically to the size of the
fellowship and grant income.
ROs with an income above a lower threshold, but below the upper threshold are
invited to compete for a DTG of fixed size.
ROs with an income below the lower threshold receive no DTG.

The algorithm was run in February 2012 for the 2013 intake. Eligible ROs should be
notified of their 2012/13 allocation by the end of June.
Permitted uses of the DTG at HEIs and MRC Units/Institutes
Doctoral Training Grants can be used to fund:
PhD Research studentships
Research Masters as part of a 1 + 3 year studentship
Collaborative studentships with industrial or other partnership funders.
Advanced Masters
Research Organisations are able to decide on the level of stipend (at or above the
RCUK minimum); the duration (up to 4 years full time support for Doctoral Students
or One Year for Full Time Masters Students); the format (e.g. part-time, industrial
placement), and to adjust the number and timing of awards within year and between
years. Decisions on stipend and project duration can be balanced with considerations
of the discipline, location and overall student numbers.
Students funded on Centre or Partnership grants can only be funded for PhDs.
1.2

Research Studentships at HEIs, MRC Units/Institutes and Centres

MRC Research Studentships enable outstanding graduates with good honours degrees to
undertake a three to four year training programme in research and transferable skills,
under the guidance of named, experienced committed supervisors. The training includes
a substantial, original and challenging research project capable of leading to the

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submission of a doctoral thesis within predetermined period of three to four years, and
the award of a PhD/DPhil. The training programme should help students equip
themselves with the skills necessary to develop their careers as researchers, or in other
research-related occupations, in academia or the wider UK economy.
In the case of a four year Research Studentship, the PhD programme may be linked to a
Masters (MSc or MRes) Studentship (1+3 award). The Masters course will usually be
taken in the first year of the four-year award, and should be in a discipline relevant to
the PhD project. These awards are funded from the Research Organisations DTG.
1.3 Capacity Building Research Studentships at HEIs, MRC Units/Institutes
and Centres
MRC periodically run a studentship competition for Capacity Building Research
Studentships which aim to provide extra provision for research training in selected
strategic research areas, where the MRC has identified a need for an increased research
workforce capacity. There are no plans to run this in 2012/13.
1.4

Industrial CASE Studentships at HEIs, MRC Units/Institutes and Centres

The aim of the MRC Industrial CASE awards is to provide PhD students with a first rate,
challenging research training experience within the context of a mutually beneficial
collaboration between academic and industrial research programme leaders.
A successful CASE project takes the time and personal commitment of busy research
leaders in industry and academia. Feedback from students and supervisors alike
emphasises the added value to all parties of a well-considered, soundly managed project
and the benefits of a genuine partnership.
Each CASE student will have two committed PhD supervisors, one academic and one
from the industry partner. They will offer their outstanding student an experience of two
research cultures and access to a wider than usual range of technology, facilities and
expertise. The student will benefit from a diversity of experimental approaches with a
translational and perhaps clinical dimension.
On completing their PhD training, the student will have sought-after research and
generic skills and a CV that should enhance their future employability. Many will become
research leaders in the future.
MRC Industrial CASE awards are awarded through an annual competition. Further
details can be found on the MRC website:
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Studentships/IndustrialCASE/MRC004608
1.5

Masters Studentships for HEIs and MRC Units/Institutes

Full-time MRC Masters Studentships are tenable for up to one year and aim to provide
students with the opportunity to undertake early research training relevant to
subsequent research at PhD level, or employment in a research related capacity in
academia or industry. All Masters Courses supported by the MRC must provide a
significant element of practical research experience as well as formal taught modules.
There are two types of masters studentships:
Advanced Course Masters these are targeted to priority areas that are not currently
served by existing undergraduate courses, and where such training is likely to

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strengthen the academic base of the field or discipline concerned. Studentships are
awarded to Research Organisations via a competition (currently run every 3 years)
offering such courses. The next competition is due in 2014 for 2015 start.
MRC Units/Institutes can only apply as Co-Applicants as the lead organisation needs to
be a HEI.
Research Masters (MRes) these are courses that provide broad-based generic
research training that may be used as a foundation for further research training leading
towards a PhD. MRes courses must provide at least 60% of course time for the
students own research usually two or more mini projects, plus personal key skills
training. These awards are funded from the Research Organisations DTG, and must be
part of a 1+3 programme.
1.6

Studentships within MRC Centre and Partnership Grants

MRC does not award studentships within its grant funding schemes with 2
exceptions:
MRC Centre Grants, that focus all or part of their award on research capacity
building
MRC Partnership Grants, which are able to demonstrate that the proposed
Partnership will provide distinctive added value to the students training
experience, such as through access to a unique environment not accessible
through other studentship support mechanisms such as the DTG.

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2. STUDENT QUALIFYING AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS


The MRC values the diversity of all people, whether they are employees, students, Board
members, recipients of grants or fellowships, suppliers, professional colleagues, research
participants, visitors or the wider public. We will treat with respect all those with whom
we interact.
Individuals who apply for MRC-funded studentships must be treated fairly, with dignity
and respect regardless of their:

Race or racial group; colour; ethnicity; place of origin; or nationality.

Gender, marital status, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment.

Religion, faith or similar philosophical belief.

Age.

Disability.

Students and supervisors should not contact MRC directly to enquire


about eligibility; it is the responsibility of the nominated person at the
Research Organisation to contact MRC if advice on eligibility is required.
2.1

Academic Qualifications

Candidates for an MRC-funded studentship must hold qualifications at the level of, or
equivalent to, a good honours degree from a UK academic institution, in a subject
relevant to MRCs scientific remit. This should be a first or upper second class honours
degree. Qualifications, or a combination of qualifications and experience, which
demonstrate equivalent ability and attainment should also be considered. For example,
a less than sufficient first degree may be enhanced to meet the requirements by the
acquisition of a Masters degree to enhance the first degree, e.g. from 2(ii) to 2(i).
It is the responsibility of the registering institution to verify that candidates possess the
relevant qualifications. They are also responsible for ensuring that qualifications
obtained outside the UK are of an equivalent level to those quoted above.
2.2

Residence Eligibility

For all MRC funded studentships, the Research Organisation must first take all
reasonable steps to recruit a UK resident (see below). If it is not possible to recruit from
the UK, then the RCUK has widened the residence eligibility criteria for studentships in
key strategic areas to help meet employers needs. Please refer to Annex 1 for further
information.
Decisions on a particular students residency eligibility, as determined by the Education
(Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997 and subsequent amendments, should be made by
the Research Organisations registry.
Heads of Department, supervisors and potential students needing advice on residence
eligibility should contact the Research Organisations Registry in the first instance.
Where there remains doubt about an individual's eligibility for an MRC Studentship, the
Registrar should contact the MRC for a ruling. Whilst general advice can be given over

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the telephone, a formal ruling cannot be given without full written details on an MRC
Eligibility Form
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC003265

2.3

UK Residence

To be eligible for a full MRC studentship (stipend and university fees), candidates must
be able to demonstrate a relevant connection1 to the United Kingdom at the date of
application.

UK nationals who have lived most of their lives in the UK will have demonstrated a
relevant connection

Individuals who were not born in the UK but have been granted UK citizenship or have
come to settle in the UK (e.g. immigrant status, refugee or an individual granted
humanitarian protection) need to demonstrate that they have a relevant connection
through ordinary residence 2

European Economic Area3 citizens who are migrant workers4 (or their spouse or
childrenQ) and can demonstrate ordinary residence in the EEA are eligible

EU nationals who have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this
can include residence while undertaking undergraduate study)
1. A relevant connection can be established if an individual has been ordinarily resident in the UK
throughout the 3 years preceding the date of application. Candidates may be classed as
demonstrating ordinary residence when they are temporarily absent overseas (see below) where
the nature of their profession demands that they spend periods overseas (e.g. research) or have
been receiving full-time education overseas.
2. Lord Scarman defined ordinary residence as habitual and normalfrom choice and for a settled
purpose throughout the prescribed period, apart from temporary or occasional absence
voluntarily adopted.. there must be some degree of settled purpose (and) a sufficient
degree of continuity to be properly described as settled. Ordinary residence is proven if a
candidate would have been in the UK (or EEA) if it were not for the fact that s/he, his/her spouse,
parent or guardian is/was temporarily employed outside of the area.
3. European Economic Area means the areas comprised by the member states of the European
Union and by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
4. A migrant worker can be defined (for these purposes) as a citizen of a member state of the EEA
who is employed in the UK and who should be treated as a national of the UK. The employment
should be full-time and of significant duration. Therefore a candidate engaged in part-time or
short-term casual employment or who has been effectively unemployed cannot be considered to
hold migrant worker status. Additionally, the employment should normally be expected to be
relevant to the candidates previous or future course of study, although employment of a
professional nature should be considered on its merits.
The employment should not be considered to be ancillary ie taken up with a view to engaging in
subsequent studies (job and study are a package) or subject to the candidate being accepted for
the training for which she/he is to be nominated. An example of this would be a candidate who
has been employed as a Research Assistant in a Research Organisation department so as to
qualify for a studentship at that RO.
5. With regard to the candidates who are children of migrant workers, it must be shown that the
candidates residency is as a consequence of the parents past or present employment. A child

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who has not been resident in the UK during the parents employment or departed with the parent
at the cessation of that employment, is not eligible to claim migrant worker status.

2.4

Visa/Work Permits

Candidates who are resident in the UK on a student visa, work permit or dependent visa
which have restrictions on the time they may stay in the UK, and cannot demonstrate a
relevant connection or settled status will not be eligible on residence grounds.
2.5

Nationals of European Economic Area (EEA) Member States

A migrant worker, or the spouse or child of a migrant worker, is eligible for a full MRC
award (maintenance stipend plus fees) if they are employed in the UK at the time the
application is made, and are either:
(a)

An EU national with a relevant connection to the European Union; or,

(b)
A national of a member state of the European Economic Area (EEA with a relevant
connection to the EEA.

2.6

Nationals of the European Union

If a student is from an EU country, but cannot demonstrate a relevant connection


through ordinary residence, they may be eligible for a studentship for tuition fees, but
not for a maintenance stipend.
2.7

Nationals of the Isle of Man

Candidates from the Isle of Man are not normally eligible for an MRC Studentship and
should apply to their education authority for support.
A candidate from the Isle of Man will not have established eligibility for consideration for
an MRC Studentship through any period of ordinary residence in England, Scotland,
Wales or Northern Ireland during which s/he has been in full-time education.
This relates to the tax status of an individual or their parents, if no tax is received from
residents of the Isle of Man then they are not eligible for certain benefits. As tax is paid
locally it is the Isle of Man that is responsible for the education costs of its subjects.
2.8 Residents of the Channel Islands
Students who are ordinarily resident in the Channel Islands are now eligible for a full
award.

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3. FINANCIAL SUPPORT
An MRC Studentship cannot be held at the same time as any other award which provides
maintenance and fees for postgraduate training, but the studentship package may be
jointly funded with another Research Organisation or external funding partner.
3.1

Financial package All MRC Funded Students

A fully-funded MRC student should receive a stipend at least equal to the MRC minimum
rate, tuition fees, a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) and an allowance for
travel/conference attendance.
Payment Type
Maintenance
Stipend

Amount (starting Oct 2011 & Oct


2012)
2011 and 2012 - 13,590 (minimum
outside London)
2011 and 2012 - 15,740*
(minimum inside London)

University Fees

Research Training
and Support Grant
(RTSG)

Travel/Conference
Allowance

Description

This is a tax-free
payment made to the
student

2011 - 3,732 pa
2012 - 3,828

Sessional fees including


tuition, supervision,
registration and bench
fees. Including from
2011, an uplift to support
researcher development
and transferable skills
training (Roberts Money)

2011 and 2012 - 5,000 pa

Contribution towards
consumable costs of
training research
students.
Note increased minimum
from autumn 2011
studentship intake.

2011 and 2012 - 300 pa

Contribution to the costs


of attending scientific
conferences and
workshops

* London rates are payable to institutions located within the City of London and
Metropolitan Police Districts

Notes
From the studentship intake of autumn 2011, all MRC studentships should be
allocated a minimum 5,000 MRC-funded Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
per annum. Exceptionally, the RO may allocate a lower MRC-funded RTSG, where
5k pa is in excess of individual project requirements (e.g. dry-lab based projects
or where consumable funds have been leveraged from external sources). ROs are
required to keep a record of such exceptional cases, which MRC may request for
monitoring purposes. MRC Units/Institutes should award a minimum of 1k RTSG per
student.

Where a student is eligible for a full award, at least 50% of the total cost of the
studentship must be drawn from the DTG of a single Council. The remaining costs

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may be funded from other sources, such as the research organisations funds or from
research partners. (Joint Research Council funding of multidisciplinary awards is
possible on the basis of 50:50 funding from two Councils' Training Accounts; in that
case one of the Councils must be designated as the majority funder for monitoring
and information purposes.)

Payments for periods of less that 12 months are calculated pro-rata.

College fees are no longer provided as a separate, additional fund within MRC
studentship awards and RCUK-approved tuition fees do not include payment for
college membership costs. Research organisations may use the flexibility provided
by the DTG to pay college fees, provided that (i) all other reasonable external
sources of college fees have been exhausted; and (ii) the student benefits in terms
relevant to their research training. Students should not be required to pay college
fees from their MRC-funded stipend.

3.1.1

Financial Entitlement

Research
Studentship
Industrial
Collaborative
Research
Masters
Advanced
Course
Masters
Fees-only
Studentship

Maintenance
Stipend

Tuition
Fees

RTSG

Conference
Allowance

Y*

* The MRC will fund a minimum of 1,000 RTSG for the Advanced Course
Masters studentship.
3.1.2

Fees Only Awards

Students from the EU who have not been resident in the UK for the three years
preceding the application will ONLY be eligible for payment of fees. not stipends.
3.1.3

Thesis typing and binding

The cost of typing or binding a thesis or dissertation is taken into account in determining
the level of the maintenance stipend. The MRC does not provide additional funds for this
purpose.
3.2

Capacity Building Studentships

Capacity Building studentships are awarded a recruitment premium of 2,000 in addition


to the basic stipend.
3.3

Industrial CASE Studentships

As a measure of its involvement, the industrial company is expected to make a financial


contribution to the cost of the studentship as follows:

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a minimum annual contribution of 1,400 in cash to the academic institution towards


the cost of the project
a minimum annual contribution of 2,500 to the student as an addition to the
maintenance stipend

access to special materials/facilities which the academic institution does not possess

all expense (e.g. travel and accommodation) incurred by the student as a result of
visits to the industrial company

Companies that meet the definition included in Recommendation 1996/280/EC of a small


to medium size enterprise (SME) are NOT required to make the contributions detailed in
the first two points above. as these will be met by the MRC via increased levels of
stipend and Research Training Support Grant payments to the academic partner.
3.4

Part-time Studentships

Part-time studentships should usually be awarded for no less than 50% of full time, and
on the understanding that the approved programme of research training can be carried
out effectively.
3.5

Income Tax

Payment of an MRC Studentship maintenance stipend (and associated allowances) below


the maximum stipulated by the Inland Revenue (please check with your local Inland
Revenue Office for current maxima) is not regarded as income for tax purposes. It
should be noted, however, that earnings from sources such as teaching and
demonstrating may be subject to income tax.
3.6

National Insurance

The MRC will not make any payment for students National Insurance contributions.
Students may become liable for contributions in connection with any paid teaching or
demonstrating which they undertake.
For information about a students position in relation to National Insurance contributions
and benefits please contact the Department of Works and Pensions.
ALLOWANCES
3.7

Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) All MRC Funded Students

Who can apply?


Disabled students who, because of their disability, are obliged to incur additional
expenditure in connection with their postgraduate training, may be eligible for a Disabled
Students Allowance.
How to apply
Please refer to the RCUK website http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/ResearchCareers/Pages/dsa.aspx

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3.8 Overseas Fieldwork Allowance


3.8.1
for HEIs
Where it is an essential part of a student's training, the MRC will consider contributing
towards the costs of overseas fieldwork or visits to foreign organisations. The MRC will
only contribute in respect of projects that provide students with research training
opportunities that are not available in the UK.
Students will not normally be expected to spend more than 12 months in total overseas.
The reasons for undertaking the Overseas Fieldwork and the justification for the
period(s) overseas should be included in Form OB1. The RO should complete the OB1
form at least 8 weeks before the student is due to depart on their Overseas Fieldwork
and submit to the MRC (GPSD@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk) for approval. The RO will be
informed by email if their application is successful or not.
The level of funds awarded to cover overseas fieldwork expenses are calculated using a
banding system. The banding for individual countries can be found at Annex 2 of this
handbook. This is currently under review, so please feedback to
GPSD@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk any comments you receive regarding this.
The banding structure is intended to cover all elements of the trip including an allowance
for medical cover insurance. Students are required to arrange adequate insurance cover
before their trip.
How to claim
Claims for Overseas Fieldwork should be completed on form OB2 (part one) by the
student and sent to the DTG Coordinator at the Research Organisation who should
scrutinise and pay the claim in the first instance. The upfront payment can be claimed
as soon as the student has departed on their Overseas Fieldwork. Please include copies
of receipts to cover flights, insurance etc as confirmation of the amounts claimed.
A supplementary claim for the remainder of the allowance can be claimed when the
student has returned from their overseas fieldwork using OB2 (part two). This should
also include receipts and should then be submitted to the MRC for payment to the
Research Organisation via the Doctoral Training Grant.
Students who are in receipt of a fees-only studentship will not be eligible to
apply for Overseas Fieldwork.
3.8.2 For MRC Units/Institutes
MRC Units/Institutes will normally be expected to fund Overseas Fieldwork from internal
budgets. Where this is not possible, they can apply to MRC headoffice to overspend
their budget.

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4. THE TRAINING PROGRAMME All MRC-funded students


4.1

Research Topic

The research project and training programme to be undertaken by the student must be
within MRCs broad biomedical and health research remit, and may include
interdisciplinary training with the physical, environmental and social sciences. The
research project must be well structured, provide an intellectual challenge, opportunities
for comprehensive research training and be achievable, leading to the postgraduate
qualification within the permitted time period (see 5.2). MRC must be consulted if there
is any possibility that a change of direction is contemplated in the research project which
might take it outside the remit of MRC.
4.2

Skills Training

The MRC expects each student to have a thorough training in generic research skills
(e.g. experimental design, data handling, statistics, intellectual property rights,
exploitation), and training in transferable skills, (e.g. oral and written communication, IT
skills and time management) during their MRC-funded training period, in addition to
subject specific training. From 2011, additional funding (Roberts Money) to support
researcher development and transferable skills training is incorporated within the fees
for postgraduate research students (see Section 3.1).
4.3 Courses and Support for Researcher Development
The Research Councils expect that ROs will maintain availability of a broad range of
career planning, training and development opportunities for Research Council funded
researchers.
MRC contribute along with the other Research Councils to Vitae, which champions the
personal, professional and career development of doctoral researchers and research staff
in higher education institutions and research institutes. In addition to forums for
postgraduate researchers, information and guidance on many aspects of a doctorate on
the Vitae Website. Vitae runs a national programme of courses and events to
complement those run by institutions. Courses are tailored to either research staff,
postgraduate researchers or both and places are limited. For information see the Vitae
website.
Vitae also runs a small programme of graduate schools which are designed to help
postgraduate researchers in their 2nd year or above to reflect upon and develop their
skills as a postgraduate researcher. The courses encourage postgraduate researchers to
consider how they can apply their skills now and in the future and aim to help
postgraduate researchers to make more informed choices about the next step of their
careers. All MRC funded students are eligible for a funded place on a GRADschool subject
to availability (note this does not include travelling expenses).
4.4 Internships
The Medical Research Council and the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) have teamed
up to undertake a policy and communications internship scheme.
The scheme is open to all MRC-funded students (based in a university, unit or Institute)
in their 3rd or 4th year of study including Clinicians Undertaking a PhD as part of their
Clinical Training Research Training Award.
The scheme is designed to give students first hand experience of the medical science
policy and communications environment to gain insights into how research and the way
it is communicated can impact on policy. The internship will also provide an opportunity

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to help build valuable networks with the UKs most eminent medical scientists and key
science and medical stakeholders.
Internships are supported by a 3 month extension to their PhD maintenance stipend. All
eligible candidates will be assessed through a competitive application process. To be
eligible to apply, students must have their supervisors support and confirm that they
are funded by the MRC.
It is expected this competition will be open for applications around September 2012.
Further details are available on the Academy Of Medical sciences web site

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5. COLLECTION OF DATA
5.1 Registering Students All MRC Funded students
5.1.1 Je-S Student/Researcher Data Portal
It is a condition of an MRC award that full details of the students who will be supported
must be entered onto the Je-S Student Data Portal within one month of their registration
date. This applies to ALL MRC funded students. This is essential to provide accurate and
timely reports to MRC Council and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
and to justify our continued support for studentships. This includes students at MRC
funded centres, Institutes, Units as well as on Doctoral Training or Partnership grants
awarded to HEIs and Independent Research Organisations.
Students should be registered under the grant they are primarily funded under.
In cases where complete and accurate information is not received, MRCs Training and
Career Group has agreed that this could impact on the award of future Doctoral Training
Grants to an institution.
Masters and 1+3 students should also be registered. Please indicate whether they are
standalone or part of a 1+3 course. In place of the abstract, please state briefly the
remit of the Masters Degree undertaken.
Guidance for completion of Abstracts within the Je-S SRDP
The abstracts within the Je-S system are MRCs sole data source for determining the
scientific breadth of the MRC PhD studentship portfolio as well as identifying the volume
of strategic skills provision across the UK.
For this reason it is a requirement that Research Organisations provide studentship
abstracts within the Je-S system that are:
Up to date and accurate
Written for a non-specialist scientific audience
Clearly identify the skills gained by the student during the studentship
Identify where the studentship meets an MRC strategic skill priority
Utilize meaningful keywords at the start of the abstract to illustrate the research
area and strategic skills provided.
Research Organisations are expected to inform supervisors and students who
provide abstracts for the Je-S system of these requirements.
5.1.2 MRC Internal Reporting Systems for MRC Units and Institutes
Information relating to MRC Units/Institutes is not held on the grant IT system which
holds all grant information relating to HEIs and IROs. Therefore in order to generate a
reference number which can be used to register students and collect data required by
BIS etc, the MRC need to create a record on LIS (Large Investment System). Each
intake of students (NOT each individual student) will need to have a separate record. A
record is created by completing the form in Annex 3.
NB for this purpose an intake is described as a group of students who start in one
academic year and are funded from the same source.
For example:
(i)
All students who are funded from your DTG and start between 1 Oct 2012
and 31 sep 2013 would count as one intake.
(ii)
A student awarded through the CASE competition would consist of another
intake
(iii)
A batch of students which are jointly funded by the MRC and a joint funder

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who start within one academic year would count as a third intake
New records will need to be created for each academic year. Therefore, please complete
the form in Annex 3 for each new intake of students. The Unit/Institute should expect to
be notified of their reference number within 2 weeks of submitting the required
information. This reference number can be used to register students on the Je-S student
data portal.
The future DTG of your Unit/Institute will depend on you providing the required data
both for LIS and subsequently on the Je-S student portal as outlined below.
Students at Units/Institutes should be registered as one of the following:
Unit Standard Research Students If funded totally or jointly from the Doctoral
Training Funds
Industrial Collaborative Students CASE students
Capacity Building Students Capacity Building Students
Advanced Masters any Masters students or 1 + 3 students. Please state in the
title if it is a standalone course or part of a 1 + 3 Course.
5.2

Submission Data All MRC funded students

MRC considers that the presentation of the results of a Research Studentship in a


doctoral thesis within a reasonable time is an effective measure of whether the students
training has been satisfactorily completed. To this end, the MRC expects that students
will have completed their research training within 3 or 4 years from the start date of
their PhD studentship award, and submitted their thesis within 4 years.
Towards the end of each calendar year the MRC requires all host institutions to provide
data on the Je-S Student Data Portal whether individual students have submitted their
PhD thesis and the time taken to submit. These data are essential for reporting to
MRCs Council and to government on the impact of MRCs significant investment in
doctoral training. For this reason, all host institutions must provide accurate and timely
data for all MRC-funded students.
5.3

Next Destination Data All MRC funded students

It is essential that all holders of MRC Studentships (HEIs, Units and Institutes) routinely
record the next destination of all MRC studentships. The immediate next destination
following completion of PhD studies (excluding any consolidation period for publication
completion etc.) should be captured as a minimum. This data must be provided to MRC,
upon request.
In addition to this, each year HESA will collect First Destination data on behalf of all the
Research Councils, including MRC. Research Organisations must comply with such
requests.
This system reflects the MRCs responsibility to safeguard the effective use of
public funds. See also section 8.16 below.

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6. DURING THE STUDENTSHIP


6.1

Teaching, Demonstrating and other Paid Work

Students may undertake teaching, demonstrating and other paid work, provided that the
total demand made on their time, including time spent in preparation, does not normally
exceed six hours a week. Any work that a student undertakes must be formalised with a
proper contract of employment covering the work the student is expected to do and
would need to conform to Home Office regulations regarding employment.
6.2

Holidays

Research Organisations should ensure that a clear policy on holiday entitlement exists
and that this is made known to the student at the start of their studentship.
6.3

Absence through Illness

Research Organisations should ensure that a clear policy on a students entitlement


during absence through illness exists and that this is made known to the student at the
start of their studentship. The Research Organisation must ensure that it is aware of
unauthorised absences, to ensure that correct payments are made to the student.
6.4

Maternity Leave

With effect from 1st April 2010, all Research Council funded students are entitled to take
6 months of maternity leave on full stipend and a further 6 months of unpaid maternity
leave. Research Organisations should extend the studentship by a commensurate period.
For part-time students leave payments should be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
6.5

Paternity Leave

All Research Council funded students are entitled to take 6 months of maternity
leave OR up to 6 months of additional paternity leave on full stipend and a further 6
months of unpaid maternity OR up to 6 months of additional paternity leave. Research
Organisations should extend the studentship by a commensurate period. For part-time
students leave payments should be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
6.6

Abeyance

MRC expects students to complete their training in a single continuous period. However,
Research Organisations should give sympathetic consideration to requests for abeyance
arising out of personal or family reasons. Requests for abeyance should not be approved
for the purpose of employment, temporary lectureships, exchange visits, voluntary
service overseas or expeditions/sport. Studentships should not normally be held in
abeyance for more than 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances prevail.

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6.7

Transfer and Extension of Studentships

Extensions to the period of a students support may be awarded at the discretion of the
Research Organisation. However, the DTA will not be amended to take account of the
transfer of a student from one Research Organisation to another or an extension granted
on a studentship.
Students who are called for jury service are legally bound to attend. Extensions should
be granted for this period by the Research Organisation.
6.8 Early terminations
6.8.1 HEIs
The Student/Researcher forms on Je-S must be updated to reflect the termination. If the
studentship is a ring-fenced award e.g. Capacity Building or CASE, the Research
Organisation may, with MRC approval, supplement the remaining funding from other
sources to create a new studentship award as long as at least 50% of the funding is
MRC.
Where grants have been awarded for a nominal number of students and the Research
Organisation is unable to recruit sufficient students or if a candidate fails to start their
studentship, then the funds relating to that student can be held over by the Research
organisation for up to one year to allow the Research Organisation to recruit the required
number of students. If the Research Organisation fails to recruit the required number of
students in this period then the MRC have the right to reclaim this money at the end of
the grant.
6.8.2 Units/Institutes
If a studentship is terminated early, then the payroll department must be advised as
soon as possible to ensure no further stipend payments are made to the student
concerned. The Unit/Institute must also update the Je-S student Data Portal with the
required information.
6.9 Grievances
6.9.1 HEIs
It is the responsibility of the Research Organisation to ensure that students and
supervisors have access to effective procedures for resolving problems, which might
arise from the administration, management or supervision of an MRC studentship.
Accordingly, MRC will not intervene unless the student has pursued any complaint or
grievance through the available local channels. Students and supervisors should
however bring to MRC's attention any situation where they consider that they have not
had access to appropriate procedures.
6.9.2 Units/Institutes
Students based in Units/Institutes should refer to the MRC Students Complaints Policy
which is due for release in June 2012 and will be distributed to all Units/Institutes.

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7. EXPLOITATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS


7.1

General

Host institutions, and the students engaged in research supported by an MRC


Studentship should ensure that results with commercial potential obtained during the
course of the studentship are protected and exploited wherever possible for the benefit
of UK industrial competitiveness, whilst ensuring incentives and returns to the
university/research institute and inventor(s). In any exploitation of research results
reference must be made to the MRC.
Ownership of any intellectual property arising from MRC Studentships is vested initially
in the institution administering the award. The institution may retain these intellectual
property rights or assign or license them to industrial partners under exploitation
arrangements. The institution is entitled to retain any income arising from exploitation
agreements. In the case of MRC Studentships held within an MRC Establishment, the
intellectual property rights will be owned by MRC.
Institutions are required to ensure that all those associated with the research are aware
of, and accept, their procedures for the notification of any device, material, product or
process, computer software or other result which it is considered might have commercial
significance, whether patentable or not, in good time before publication or other
disclosure.
7.2

Partnerships with Industry

Agreement between the partners should be negotiated on intellectual property rights


before the studentship starts. Any licenses or assignments to partners should
include a revenue-sharing arrangement and provisions to deal with the possibility of
non-exploitation by the industrial partners.
The agreement should not in any way prohibit the student from achieving a PhD within
the prescribed time for their award (see 5.2).
7.3

Protection of Patentable Material

Institutions are reminded that potential patent rights are prejudiced by publication or
non-confidential disclosure of the subject matter prior to filing a patent application.
Publication is now interpreted very broadly and covers everything made available
publicly in writing, orally, by use or in any other way, before protection is sought.
Advice should be taken from the Institutions Technology Transfer Office to minimise any
potential for delay in publication.
7.4

Protection of Non-Patentable Material

Institutions and students are reminded that whether or not the research leads to
patentable inventions, it may lead to the creation of know-how, computer software or
other results which, although they cannot always be formally protected, can be of
commercial value.

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8. SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS


8.1

Use of Animals

Award holders are expected to abide by the core principles set out in the Councils
booklet Mice and Medicine.
The objectives of MRC funded experiment(s) should be clearly defined and, where
possible, award holders must adopt procedures and techniques which avoid the use of
animals. Where this is not possible, the research should be designed so that:

Species with the most appropriate physiology for the work are used; where possible
simple organisms should be used.

The number of animals used in an experiment must be the minimum sufficient to


create adequate statistical power to answer the question posed.

The severity of the procedures performed upon animals is kept to a minimum. The
experiment should be kept as short as possible, and anaesthesia/analgesia used to
minimise pain where possible.

8.2

Home Office Licences

It is the responsibility of the host institutions and students to ensure that the appropriate
personal and project licences are obtained. Home Office licences (or amendments to
existing licences) do not have to be obtained before an application for an award is made
to the MRC, but if an award has been made then the necessary licences should be
obtained before any animal experimentation begins. Institutions should note that the
Home Office target is to process applications within seven weeks (excluding any time
needed for revisions by the institution).
The provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (and any subsequent
amendments) must be observed when undertaking any research training funded by the
MRC.
8.3

Use of Simians/Tissues

When a project involves the use of simians or their tissues, the student should act in
accordance with the guidance set out in the MRC Ethics Guide: Best practice in the
accommodation and care of primates used in scientific procedures (2004) and in
accordance with their institutions Health & Safety procedures.
Institutions contemplating the use of primates purchased from commercial suppliers
should, wherever possible, use UK suppliers, to minimise the risk of suffering during
transport. For cats, dogs and primates purchased, Home Office approved suppliers
should be used.
Institutions are encouraged to put their proposals before a Local Ethical Review Process.
MRC is a public body legally obliged to provide information on its work to Parliament and
to the public, and is committed to improving public communication on animals. MRC will
make public information about animal experiments it funds when needed (e.g. as
anonymous examples, or in response to direct queries). MRC will resist all requests for
information that might lead to the identification of places or individuals, except with the
express permission of the individuals concerned.

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8.4

Mouse Strains

MRC supports a central repository of mouse strains the MRC Mouse Frozen Embryo and
Sperm Archive (FESA) at the Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell. Depositors retain
ownership of strains and there is currently no charge for depositing strains to make them
freely available to the academic community. FESA aims to ensure that valuable mouse
strains are safeguarded, that the need to maintain colonies of live mice for long periods
of time is reduced, and that the significant investment in engineering strains is
capitalised upon fully. MRC students and their supervisors planning mouse research
should contact FESA at their earliest opportunity.
8.5

Human Participants in Research

The MRC expects all work involving human participants to be undertaken in accordance
with its statements, copies of which are available on the MRC website.
Institutions, students and supervisors have absolute responsibility for ensuring that they
have approval from the appropriate authorities before undertaking investigations within
an organisation such as a factory, school or service establishment or NHS premises.
Payments to healthy volunteers participating in clinical trials are allowable, provided that
the payment is for expense, time and inconvenience and is not at a level which would
induce people to take part in studies against their better judgement. In the case of nonclinical investigations which do not involve invasion of the bodys integrity payment of a
fee (not normally exceeding 4.00 per hour) plus travelling and other out-of-pocket
expenses is permissible.
Independent local research ethics committee (LREC) approval is required for research
that involves human participants (whether patients or normal volunteers) or records. It
is also required for certain studies of human tissues. In the case of research involving
NHS patients, premises or records, this will be a Local Research Ethics Committee set up
by the Local Health Authority or Board, or Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee
(MREC) as appropriate. In the case of psychological research on volunteers, the
relevant institutions ethics committee will usually be appropriate. Institutions and
supervisors have absolute responsibility for ensuring that approval is granted before any
research is undertaken.
Any serious incident arising in the course of an investigation that has been approved by
the ethics committee should be reported immediately to the MRC as well as to
LREC/MREC. The investigation must be suspended until the ethics committee has
decided whether it may be continued or should be abandoned.
Research involving human participants in developing societies presents specific ethical
challenges and the MRC guidelines Research Involving Human Participants in Developing
Societies must be followed.

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8.6

Clinical Trials

If the research training project involves a clinical trial, the expectation is that trials will
normally have been peer reviewed and funded, and service support costs secured before
a studentship is sought.
The host institution and the student are responsible for ensuring that any such research
is conducted in accordance with the general MRC terms and conditions of an award, and
that the principles set out in Council's Guidelines on Good Clinical Practice in MRC funded
trials are followed.
8.7

Human Fertilisation

Students whose research involves the use of human gametes or embryos must act in
accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (and any subsequent
amendments). This will include obtaining a licence to undertake activities covered by
the Act, prior to the research training taking place. Further information can be obtained
from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, 30 Artillery Lane, London, E1.
8.8

Medical Records

Where a studentship involves the use of medical records, the student must act in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Councils statement Personal
Information in Medical Research (2000).
Host institutions are responsible for obtaining from the student an undertaking to
maintain confidentiality of any records being used.
8.9

Use of Human Fetal Material

Students whose awards involve the use of the pre-viable fetus, the whole-head fetus,
fetal tissues, or fetal material (i.e. placenta, fluids or membranes) must have been
granted approval for such work from an independent Local Research Ethics Committee.
Students must also comply with the Health Department guidance issued in the light of
the Polkinghorne Report.
8.10 Removal of Human Tissue
Students whose research training projects involve procedures for the removal of human
tissue either from living people or at post-mortem examination must follow the law
(Human Tissue Act 2004 or Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006) and the guidance
detailed in the MRC Statement Human Tissue and Biological Samples for Use in Medical
Research (2001).
8.11 Use of Radioactive Substances and Neutron Irradiation in Humans
Students whose research training projects require the use of radioactive substances or in
vivo neutron activation analysis in humans must have obtained the approval of the
Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee before any research is
undertaken. Approval and advice from the Unit does not remove the obligation to make
separate approaches to independent research ethics committees. Institutions and
supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that no research is undertaken before
approval from both bodies has been granted.

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8.12 Genetic Modification


The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992 and The
Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1996 require
laboratories that intend carrying out genetic modification to be registered with the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE). All such work is subject to risk assessment and
according to the assessment some work may additionally require specific consent.
Institutions and award holders undertaking genetic modification must be registered with
the HSE, have undertaken risk assessment and have been granted consent (where
appropriate). All notifications and annual returns must be sent to the Directorate of
Science and Technology, Unit E4, Magdalen House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, L20 3QZ
(Tel: 0151 951 4772).
Detailed guidance notes are provided by the Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification
(ACGM) to every registered Centre. It is important that award holders who carry out
genetic modification are familiar with the legislative requirements and with ACGM
guidance. Advice can be obtained from the Bootle address of the HSE or from HSE
Health Directorate B2, Floor 7SW, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HB,
(Tel: 020 7717 6348).
8.13 Dangerous Pathogens
Institutions/Departments accommodating project involving the use of dangerous
pathogens must comply with the safeguards recommended by the Advisory Committee
on Dangerous Pathogens in their report Categorisation of Biological Agents According to
Hazard and Categories of Containment, HMSO, 4th Edition, 1995.
8.14 Controlled Drugs
Award holders whose research requires the use of one or more of the drugs controlled by
the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971 (and its subsequent amendments) must hold an
appropriate Home Office Licence. Institutions and award holders have absolute
responsibility to ensure that no research is carried out before a licence has been
granted.
8.15 Data Protection Act 1998
The Act requires data controllers to register the processing of personal data with the
Office of the Information Commissioner. MRC funded students and their supervisors
should register with the Office through their host institution, and are expected to comply
with the principles of good practice outlined in the Act.
8.16 MRC Use of Data/Information
The Research Organisation will be required to provide the Research Council with
standard information on students and their training programme through the Je-S system
for inclusion in the Research Councils management information system. Information
should normally be entered within one month of the student starting their studies and by
mid-November for October starts. Failure to provide this information may result in
sanctions being imposed on future DTA payments. The MRC may make public in any
form summary information about the award including the title and abstract of research
as it sees fit. The number of awards will be posted on the MRCs web pages. Data on
awards may also be made available to other publicly available databases.

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The MRC will comply with the principles and good practice outlined in Data Protection
Acts 1998, and Freedom of Information Act 2005.

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9.

Further Enquiries

Please direct any queries on the content of this handbook to GPSD@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk

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ANNEX 1: Recruitment of International Students in MRC Key Strategic


Areas
The scarce strategic skills for which the MRC policy applies are as follows:
1. Advanced mathematics, statistics and computational skills
2. Physical and engineering sciences.
Quantitative and other skills that can be considered a routine part of UK
undergraduate training in biological, biomedical and health sciences are not sufficient
to qualify for the purposes of this policy.
Additional conditions apply, as follows:
3. The sought after skills must be critical to executing the PhD projects and well integrated
with the students biomedical training and research.
4. The student projects must be aligned with MRCs Strategic Priorities (as identified in
the Strategic Plan 2009-14 (or subsequent equivalents) and with the programme of
training agreed with the RO (by means of the MRC-RO Studentship Portfolios once
these are in place) approved for the Institute/Unit (through the Quinquennial
Review).
5. The Research Organisation must be able to demonstrate in terms of (i) the demand
for and career-destinations of previous PhD graduates (albeit they were not RCfunded);
and (ii) evidence of a shortage of high quality UK candidates in relation to
this demand.
6. The RO must be able to demonstrate that it needs to use MRC funds for this
purpose.
How to Apply
If a RO has taken all reasonable steps to recruit a UK resident student and now are looking to
recruit an international student that meets the requirements above, they should contact
GPSD@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk. They will need to outline the steps they have taken to recruit a UK
resident, be able to show the research fits within the Key Strategic Areas outlined above and
provide details of the international student they would like to recruit. The MRC will review the
application and will contact the RO within 2 weeks informing them of their decision. Once
approved by the MRC, the RO can proceed in recruiting the student.
ROs need to be able to demonstrate compliance at any time. Recruitment and
destination data for these students will be presented through the ROs normal
reporting mechanisms to MRC, as provided for by individual MRC-RO Studentship
Portfolio Agreements

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Annex 2: Overseas Fieldwork Banding System

Country

Annual
Rate

Front end element

Weekly
rate

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Ascension Islands
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burma
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chad
Chile
China
Colombia
Congo, Republic of
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark

7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
11,300.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
7,800.00

600
400
400
600
600
500
800
600
500
800
800
300
500
800
500
500
600
300
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
400
800
600
600
500
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
400
300
500
300

144
100
100
96
144
88
140
144
50
140
140
150
50
140
98
98
144
102
96
96
214
144
96
96
96
144
144
100
140
48
96
216
144
96
144
144
144
214
96
96
144
100
102
216
150

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Country

Annual
Rate

Front end element

Weekly
rate

Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Fiji and West Pacific
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guam
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Irish Republic
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon

5,400.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
11,300.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00

800
500
600
400
600
600
400
300
600
600
600
300
300
600
600
600
400
300
600
300
300
600
600
600
600
600
600
800
600
300
600
500
600
500
500
300
400
300
600
500
800
400
500
500
600
500
500
600
300
400

92
50
96
100
96
144
100
54
96
144
96
220
150
96
144
144
100
150
96
102
102
144
144
96
48
96
96
92
48
54
144
50
96
50
216
102
100
150
144
98
210
100
146
98
144
98
146
96
102
100

31
Last Updated 28/05/2012

Country

Annual
Rate

Front end element

Weekly
rate

Liberia
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali Republic
Malta
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
St Kitts & Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and The Grenadines
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovak Republic

11,300.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
11,300.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
3,000.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00

600
600
300
300
600
600
600
600
600
300
600
600
500
600
500
800
400
600
600
500
300
800
600
600
600
400
500
500
600
600
600
600
600
300
300
600
500
400
500
1,000
600
600
600
500
600
500
600
600
600
300

214
144
54
150
96
48
48
96
96
54
214
96
98
96
98
140
100
96
96
50
102
92
144
144
144
218
146
50
144
96
96
144
96
102
102
48
98
100
146
136
96
144
96
146
96
98
144
144
144
102

32
Last Updated 28/05/2012

Country

Annual
Rate

Front end element

Weekly
rate

Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Spain
Spain (Canary Islands)
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tibet
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turks & Caicos Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
USA
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Virgin Islands
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

5,400.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
11,300.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
11,300.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
5,400.00
7,800.00
7,800.00
3,000.00
3,000.00

300
1,000
600
600
300
400
500
600
600
300
300
400
800
500
600
600
600
600
600
400
400
600
500
500
500
600
600
600
800
600
600
1,000
600
500
500

102
206
144
144
102
148
98
144
96
220
150
100
92
98
96
214
96
96
96
100
100
144
146
146
146
214
144
144
92
96
96
136
144
50
50

33
Last Updated 28/05/2012

ANNEX 3 Data Capture Requirements for Units/Institutes


MRC Unit/Institutes Student DTGs
Data capture requirements to create your studentship record on LIS
Please can you provide the following information in the spaces below so we can set up your
Institute/Unit up on the system which will enable you to register students via the Je-s Student
Data Portal and for the MRC to capture required information.
NB This only needs to be completed once per Institute/Unit for this years intake and
NOT for each individual student.
1. Name of Institute/Unit
2. Department (If relevant)
3. Actual Start date of studentship eg
1/10/11 (Not financial year)
4. End date of studentship eg 30/9/15
5. Call:
Unit Standard research Student (DTA),
Industrial collaborative student (CASE),
Capacity Building student
6. Cost Code (If known)
7. Funding Source:
QQR DTG, QQR (Non DTG vired funds),
Mixed funding, staff PhD etc
NB Please only include students that
are at least 50% funded by MRC
8. Training Grant Holder (eg Head of
Studentships)
9. Long Title - Full title of proposed
research
10. Studentship Priority Area
11. Short Title -Not more than 30
characters
12. Abstract Scientific abstract not
more than 4000 characters long

Please attach this so it can be uploaded

13. Lay Abstract Not more than 4000


characters long

Please attach this so it can be uploaded

14. Student Contact name and email


address at Unit for correspondence
Please return the completed information to GPSD@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk

34
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Guidance Notes
1. Name of Institute Please state the full name of the Unit/Institute
2. Department If the students are based in a particular department, please include here.
If the Unit/Institute does not have departments or the students are not based in a single
department, please leave this section blank
3. Start Date of Studentship This should be the date the first student of the intake starts
and not the date the finance commences
4. End date of Studentship This should be the anticipated end date of the last student of
this intake and not the date the award finance ends
5. Call All students funded via your DTA should be listed as Unit Standard Research
Students. In the case of CASE or Capacity Building students, please state accordingly.
6. Cost Code This should be the cost code used by the unit to record any expenditure
against this intake of students.
7. Funding Source Please only include students that are funded 50% or more by the MRC.
Usually funding will be QQR DTG, but this will not always be the case.
8. Training Grant Holder - This would normally be the head of studentships. They will
become the Grant Holder and receive any correspondence regarding the grant.
9. Long Title This should be the generic title of the Research Training Programme
10.Studentship Priority Area For a full list and definitions please refer to the following
link MRC Strategic Skills Priorities
(i)
Advanced In Vivo Sciences
(ii)
Biomedical Imaging
(iii)
Mathematics, statistics and computation
(iv)
Stem Cell Science
(v)
Regenerative Medicine
(vi)
Clinical Pathology
(vii)
Clinical Pharmacology
(viii) Toxicology
(ix)
Quantitative Systems Medicine
(x)
Whole Human Physiology
(xi)
Population Health Sciences and Public Health
(xii)
Health Economics
(xiii) E-Health Informatics Research
(xiv) Medicinal Chemistry
(xv) Medical Physics
(xvi) Social Science
(xvii) Basic and Clinical research
(xviii) Industrial collaborative research
11. Short Title An abbreviated version which can be used to populate the system. Can be
the same as the Long Title if less than 30 characters.
12.Scientific Abstract - This should state the strategy and purpose of the student intake.
NB This is separate from the Abstract required for each individual student on the Je-S
Student data Portal
13.Lay Abstract A lay summary of the science areas covered by the students.
14.Student Contact details - This may be the same as Training Grant Holder or may be an
administrator at the unit who registers students etc
Thanks

35
Last Updated 28/05/2012

ANNEX 4 Guidance on How to Reconcilliation of Centre Grants with


Students that complete after the end date of the grant
1.

Scope

If a student linked to a Centre Grant would complete their studentship after the end date of the
grant (except in the case of early termination), the MRC agrees to waive the requirement of RCUK
Terms and Condition GC3 which states that Funds cannot be used to meet the cost of an activity
that fall beyond the actual end date of a grant for the Studentship element of the Centre Grant
ONLY providing they comply with the principles set out below.

2.

Objectives
2.1
To ensure that if the MRC closes a Centre, any students who are partway through
their studentships are supported for the full duration of their studentships.
2.2

To ensure Centre Grants are dealt with in a consistent way at reconciliation

2.3
To remove the requirement to extend grants to accommodate the end date of the
students who are funded beyond the end date of the Centre Grant
2.4
To remove the requirement for the University to return funds for students who are
in the middle of their studentship when the Centre Grant is reconciled

3.

Principles
3.1
This guidance applies when Research Organisations hold Centre Grants which have
studentships whose completion date fall after the end date of the grant.
3.2
All the students must have accepted their offer, been registered with the host
Research Organisation and have received their first stipend payment prior to the end date
of the grant.
3.3
If the Research Organisation has not managed to fill its full complement of students
[a studentship will be deemed to have been filled once a student meets the three criteria
specified in 3.2 above] by the end date of the grant then any uncommitted funds for any
vacant studentship will need to be repaid to MRC when the grant is reconciled, in the
normal way.
3.4
If a student terminates their studentship (for any reason) after the end date of the
grant then the Research Organisation must use any remaining studentship funds to
supplement existing MRC funded students or to at least 50% part fund another student
(who will then be classed as a MRC student).
3.5
Any students in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance (or other student
supplement) can continue to claim in the normal way RCUK DSA Guidance.
3.6
The Research Organisation will need to fund any requests for Maternity/Paternity
allowances etc from within the remaining funds or existing MRC Doctoral Training
Grants.

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Last Updated 28/05/2012

4.

Procedure

4.1

When the Centre has reached the end of its grant (including any renewals or extensions),
the Final Expenditure Statement of the grant will need to show that all money committed
for studentships (as laid out in the principles above) has been spent for this purpose
alone.

4.2

If a Centre Grant is terminated before its agreed end date, the grant will be reconciled at
the date of termination and will only include any expenditure incurred up until that point.
On termination of the centre, the students will revert to the Research Organisation that
hosts the centre and the remaining studentship funds will be added as a supplement to the
existing Doctoral Training Grant (DTG) for the host Research Organisation. If the
Research Organisation does not have a current DTG, a new DTG will be created.
The value of the supplement/new DTG will be equivalent to the cost of a standard MRC
studentship (stipend, Fees, Research Training Support Grant and Travel & Subsistence)
based on the submission date being 3.5 years after the start date of the student, minus
the length of studentship already completed under the Centre Grant. For example if a
student had already completed 2 years of a studentship under a Centre Grant which was
terminated, then a supplement/new DTG would be added at the equivalent value of a MRC
studentship for 1.5 years.

37
Last Updated 28/05/2012

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